Conte confirms he wanted to sign World Class defender

Conte confirms he wanted to sign World Class defender

Antonio Conte has revealed that he wanted to sign Virgil van Dijk before he completed a £75 million move to Liverpool. The manager has said that despite the asking price being so high, Chelsea were only willing to pay £50 million.

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton earlier this month for a £75 million fee. He became the world’s most expensive defender with the transfer.

Conte mainly wanted to sign him as a replacement for David Luiz. The Brazilian and the manager had a fall out in November and since then, Luiz has only made a couple of appearances for the club.

Manchester United, Real Madrid and Arsenal have been linked with David Luiz but none of the interests have resulted in a bid. The defender is keen on leaving the club as he wants to play regularly and make it to Russia with the Brazilian national team.